Biological Sciences Department

While working towards a biology or zoology degree, students will learn from outstanding professors, gain hands-on research in the labs of the new Shineman Center and the living laboratory of the Rice Creek Biological Field Station, and become well-prepared for in-demand professional opportunities or graduate school pursuits.

With their ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and solve complex problems with creativity and independent judgment, biology and zoology majors make great employees in any field. Majors discover new knowledge to better understand themselves, the world, and their place in it, whether it be working in science or using their knowledge to make informed decisions that impact society.

Many students in the department participated in the annual Rochester Academy of Sciences Fall Scientific Paper Session in Rochester at St. John Fisher College in November. With a range of topics there were 19 oral and poster presentations.

Professor presents at Great Lakes Restoration Conference

Biological sciences faculty member Eric Hellquist presented "Prevalence of Microplastics in Lake Ontario Forage Fish” at the Great Lakes Restoration Conference, Oct. 17 to 19 in Buffalo, as part of a special session on microplastics in Great Lakes food webs.

Restoration project brings college's plant museum into the light

SUNY Oswego’s recently opened herbarium features more than 50,000 dried and mounted plant specimens in a historically significant collection that links the main campus’ scientific education and research mission with that of Rice Creek Field Station.

Grant supports student experiences with Rice Creek collection

A state-administered grant program recently boosted its longtime support of Rice Creek Field Station to $175,000 over five years -- a $10,000-a-year bump that has enabled hiring of student curators for animal collections and much more.

Dr. Jennifer Olori of the biological sciences faculty recently won a National Science Foundation grant for a project designed to provide undergraduates — particularly women, who remain underrepresented in sciences and math.

Our program

After completing introductory core courses, students and professors work together to design a program of additional courses to fit student’s professional career interests. Careful selection of electives, research courses, internships, and cognates can be used to prepare students for particular careers, graduate studies, training at professional schools (medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine)

Faculty

Our department boasts an outstanding faculty who are committed to a high standard of teaching, research, and service to the college community. We believe in working closely with students to build a learning-centered community where the discovery of knowledge plays an important role in every student's academic career.

Facilities

Our department has state-of-the-art facilities and instrumentation for both teaching and research purposes, and because we specialize in undergraduate education, our students have a lot of hands-on experiences. Along with shared facilities such as the Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Center, microscopy suites, and the 400-acre Rice Creek Field Station, we also have a greenhouse, herbarium, animal care facilities, and a core histology lab.

Spotlight

Sarita Charap '18

Zoology

My research and internships have allowed me to apply classroom learning in hands-on opportunities that have made me a competitive applicant in potential graduate endeavors.

Spotlight

Bianca Fernandez '19

Biology

All of my professors have been supportive and willing to help their students when needed. They welcome them to their office hours and make an effort to schedule appointments if you can’t make those times.

Spotlight

Stephanie Facchine, '18

Biology

Stephanie Facchine, a senior biological sciences major, studied how climate change might impact the rare, threatened Pitcher's thistle through a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates Summer Fellowship at the University of Michigan Biological Station.